The project
Skanska is delivering a £679 million improvement project on the A428 in Cambridgeshire to bring a new 10-mile dual carriageway between the Black Cat and Caxton Gibbet roundabouts.
Working closely with design partner Mott MacDonald, this project builds on Skanska’s long-standing and trusted relationship with National Highways. We’ve already delivered many successful National Highways projects including the M1 J19 and recent improvements to the A14 that were delivered eight months early.
This scheme will benefit road users and the local community by improving journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge and the link between the M11 and M1. The route is the only remaining stretch of single carriageway between Cambridge and the M1 near Milton Keynes.
There will be a number of junction improvements, including several new bridges spanning the carriageway and river, a new three-tier junction at Black Cat roundabout to allow free flowing traffic onto the A1 and the new dual carriageway. The scheme includes safe crossing points for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and reconnections for disrupted rights of way.
Lasting benefits
This scheme will transform one of the busiest road links in the East of England, helping drivers who live, work and travel in and around Bedfordshire and Cambridge to save an hour-and-a-half on their journeys every week. It will improve safety and cut journey times by up to a third, while helping to unlock economic growth in this fast-growing region.
Being a force for good
The A428 team is working with stakeholders to support local businesses, inspire future careers, increase local employment opportunities and upskill the local community. Our colleagues have been visiting schools and colleges to raise awareness of job opportunities and provide support around careers.
Discovering the past
The A428 passes through areas rich in history with archaeological findings from the Roman, Saxon and iron ages. Working with archaeologists the team has ensured artefacts and learnings from the past have not been lost and they have been out in the local community in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire reaching as many people as possible, including those who may not normally have access to history and archaeology.
Using innovative activities such as virtual reality and crafts the archaeologists have been visiting schools, heritage groups and day-care centres bringing to life the local heritage and sharing the artifacts. Find out more by visiting the Mola A428 archaeology webpage.
The delivery team are looking to make a positive difference in the communities it touches, working collaboratively with local schools, and stakeholders to create opportunities and provide employment.
Continuous improvement
We are continually improving and developing our tools to reduce our impact on the environment and communities. We’ve created a digital tool accessible and used by everyone from the design team to supply chain partners. This optimises efficiency of delivery and monitors not only the cost and quantity of materials and services but also their carbon impact.
